Bragg'in

I haven't kept up with my workouts this week, but only because I came down with a nasty cold. My throat hurt Monday and Tuesday, my fever broke Wednesday, and now I'm in the stages of coughing my lungs up. I'm pretty sure I have Lauren to thank for the speedy recovery, as she told me Tuesday to pick up a bottle of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar and try that to help cut the cold in half - and boy, has it. I've been drinking 1 tablespoon in 8 ounces of water twice a day since Tuesday, and it's speeding my recovery like crazy. We'll see how I feel when I get home, but I think I should be able to do my last two workouts tonight and tomorrow, just in time to start Cize on Monday!

I have done some light working out while sick so at least I could mark off my versions of Plyo and Power. I just have a round each of 45 and 60 to get through to be done with part one of Body Combat. A round of Cize will come next, then part two of Body Combat, a round of Turbo Fire, and then the final round of Body Combat. August brings my photo shoot for boudoir photos, so I have to kick the next few weeks into high gear to become my very best me!

Moral of the story, don't push yourself when you're sick, as you need rest. Try the Bragg's (thanks, Lauren!) remedy to get better faster, and push the fluids. I need to get back to work. Lots to do today!

Just another day in paradise...

My brain has been on a push to lie to me today. I woke up and just felt fat, unmotivated, and my motivation to do much of anything today has been in the crapper. I had a fired up temper yesterday - just ask Zach, and my acne has flared up enough to make me reminisce not so fondly about my pre-teen years. I'm tired, and on a probably unrelated note, my throat hurts. Any woman that just read all that knows it is more than likely the onslaught of a visit from Aunt Flo. Thanks to going on month 3 of being off birth control, I don't know if that's what this is, or if my hormones are going on a carnival ride. Either way, it needs to stop.

I did get up and force myself to workout this morning, and I have had 24 ounces of water. I made healthy eating choices to pack for my lunch and snacks, and I have keep reminding myself what it is that I'm making for dinner tonight. And to nuke lunch. I also have homework that needs doing....and if I sneeze one more time, I swear I'm going to remove my own nose.

Anyway, I got up and worked out this morning, and I got my shake in (woo!), and I'm still making healthy choices, even though it's taking everything in me to not run down the hall and get a MilkyWay out of the little cafe.

The main reason I'm doing this is because I know that eating that candy bar will put me on a downward spiral. I know if I hadn't worked out this morning, I wouldn't do it tonight, either, even though I would say I would. Besides, today started my final week of round one of Body Combat. 

No, brain, the body you're attached to is not fat; it's lovely and slim. It's a little more plump today and the jeans are a bit tighter due to what I can only assume is water weight gain. You don't need that chocolate covered caramel bliss, especially since there are mini versions in the library candy dish. By the way, go eat your lunch. Stop trying to make me feel out of sorts, and while we're at it - hormones! Get it together, ya sluts!

Motivator

It's been a strange week. I worked out on Sunday, again on Monday, and during my Monday workout I heard and felt my shoulder go *POP!* Idiot that I am, I kept going until my workout was done, I just took it down a few notches. I should have stopped altogether, but no, so now I'm having slight shoulder pain. I decided that this wouldn't stop me - my arm is what's tender, not my legs, so I can still get my walks in! I made it almost 4 miles yesterday, a little over 11,000 steps. Tonight I'm going with my boss to Miracles Fitness to give that a go. We'll see what all it entails.

A friend of mine - ok, a few friends of mine - went to Dani Johnson's First Steps to Success a few weeks ago and brought back some awesome information. They've challenged themselves to be content with what they have, putting to use the things they already have at home and not purchasing frivolous things. Even the food in the kitchen is being used up completely before they buy more. I liked this idea, so I decided to take the challenge as well. Our grocery list is getting long, but we still have food at home that could be used. It makes for a very interesting attempt at making dinner. The other day, I laid out two chicken breasts to thaw. When I got home, I chopped them up, put them in a casserole dish, and added the last of the frozen mixed vegetables, and a mixture of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to it, baked it for 20 minutes, then added cornbread mix to the top and popped that back in the oven for another 20 minutes. The result was amazing. Like a chicken pot pie without the bottom crust. Zach loved it so much that I figured out about what the measurements were for everything, and wrote it in my recipe book to make again later. I hope to do something similar tonight, but I didn't thaw anything out, so we'll see what I come up with. There's a lot of deer meat in the freezer that I'm not entirely sure what it is, so I'll have to try and work with that.

I have been putting off writing this all week. I love writing, I love the likes and comments this page gets, but if I'm not in the mood to write, it just isn't going to happen. Last night, I got a call from a friend of mine, and before we hung up the phone, she said "Keep writing, keep posting - you're motivating me to be better and healthier!" Maybe those weren't her exact words, but it's the gist. I practically floated off my chair with joy, as my ultimate goal is to be an example for someone else, and I have achieved it. It's also just what I needed to hear to ramp back up again. I love knowing that what I'm doing isn't just helping me to be better and healthier, but others are taking notice and making changes to make themselves healthier, too. It's such an awesome feeling! It also pushed me to email dad and ask if I can use his weight equipment. I want to do a few weeks of weight lifting before I start round two of Body Combat, really get some strength in to rock the second round! 

So for those who use this as a motivator, good! For those who think this is just a phase I'm going through, those that think I'm on a diet, those that think I'll quit when I'm done - I've got news for you. This isn't just a phase, it's a lifestyle change. This isn't a diet, because diets are short term answers to long term problems, and they don't work. I'm not quitting. In fact, I'm not going anywhere - I have a new goal, and it's to motivate the haters. 

Bring on your worst. You're in my territory now. 

Genius strikes and sexy legs

I should have written this a few days ago, but I wasn't in the writing mood, so here I stand, in front of my stove, typing this up on my phone as the ground beef browns.

I may not have gotten up everyday at 5 like I wanted, but I definitely got my workout in everyday this week. I'm hoping to improve that next week. I also learned that taking a rest day during the week, for me, is not a good idea, so I'm going to rearrange the rest of the workout schedule so I go Monday thru Friday, and rest on the weekends. I'm also learning that to eat healthier, I need to go grocery shopping once a week, not once a month, and buy fresher ingredients. That will be changing soon.

In the meantime, I'm seeing more results! Dan and Rachel of Body Combat aren't kidding when they say the kicks in this program will give you a nonsurgical butt lift or chisel your legs. I am, as of my shower this morning, wearing an item of clothing I purchased 9 years ago and barely ever wore. I never wore it because I didn't like my legs. They were flabby, yet lanky - twigs with cellulite poking out from beneath me. My upper legs still have a ways to go, but my calves look awesome, and so while trying to figure out what to wear today, I pulled out...my mini skirt.

Amazing, I know. You think that is good, you should see my legs. I don't have a before photo, so it wouldn't tell you much, but they look good enough that I'm ok with showing them off. And yes, in the photo, I am standing on tiptoe. Unfortunately, we don't own a full length mirror, but this is something I plan to remedy.

Since I have upgraded my water intake, I have determined that although it is more refreshing than soda, and I feel better, it is getting boring to drink it constantly without variation. Today, I had a stroke of genius - I like flavored water, and I had bought lemons and limes when I went to the store last, so I chopped a few up into quarters and popped one lime quarter and one lemon quarter into the ice cube tray, then added hot water and let it sit for a minute to draw some of the flavor out of the fruit. It's going in my water bottle, so it will add flavor and can't water anything down. 

If nothing else, I think it looks pretty. I also have a pitcher of green tea with lemon, lime, and mint steeping out on the deck - Heaven knows it's hot enough out there for it to brew without hot water. Green tea has no calories and wickedly awesome health benefits, so it'll be a good switch on occasion from just water. Ah, this healthy lifestyle is so awesome! 

When your brain is finally on board

I woke up this morning a bit disoriented, wondering what in the world that noise was, and then I realized it was my alarm. Hit snooze, fell back into a good sleep, and woke up again 10 minutes later to both the alarm and a Lola standing with both front paws digging into my bladder. Hmm, she must be hungry...
I figured I'd get up and feed her, then come back to bed and o my workout tonight, but after laying back down for a few minutes, I got too hot and couldn't get comfortable. Finally at 5:30, I sucked it up and got up. Fine, I'll workout now!

So glad I did, as that's an hour of sweating I won't have to do later. Plus, whenever I workout in the morning, I start it with a glass of water, then pour a second to drink while working out. I'm now 18 ounces in, and my goal is for 62 ounces. My only problem now is that I decided not to drink coffee except on the weekends, and I'm pretty sure I could fall asleep at my desk. It really doesn't help that I have some really boring articles to read for class soon.

One of my girlfriends is at Summit this week in Tennessee, and I am so jealous! Not just because she gets to workout with some awesome big name trainers, but because she gets to be in my 2nd all time favorite state. Most people love the beach, I have an intense love affair with the mountains. ANYWAY, it got me thinking - wondering - how early does everyone at Summit have to get up in order to get some food in them before going and doing these workouts all day? I don't know the answer to it, but I did a fitness no-no today when I worked out on an empty stomach. I generally chug half a glass of water, half my shake, then refill the water glass and get to it, alternating between drinking water and my shake depending on what my stomach tells me I need while getting my workout in. Today it was all water, and I didn't even make my shake until my hour workout was complete. Am I going to get results from this workout? Yes, but not as good as if I'd had something on my stomach. I went to bed at 10 and got up at 5, which means I had already gone 7 hours without food, then worked out for an hour on top of it with only water in me. That's like going an entire workday without eating, yet still moving around. Not a good plan, as your body needs fuel in order to get stuff accomplished. I also ate breakfast at my desk, and I didn't get to work until 7:50, so there's another almost 2 hours without something substantial - not a good idea.

This gives more scientific info on the subject, but the main point is that the body needs to be fueled in order to function properly. It's no wonder I'm so tired - I depleted an empty body. Not a good plan, and not a mistake I plan to repeat.

Would you look at that

7:05, and I am on it! Coffee is made, dinner is in the crockpot, showered, lunch packed, one glass of water in me, and I'm sitting here eating breakfast. I'm still tired from a long night of storms, but I'm doing pretty well otherwise. I didn't get up early enough to do Combat 60, but I did get my version of the Plyo workout in this morning, so that's something. Even got Zach up so he can get to work earlier. I'm hoping to have him up at 5:30 tomorrow so he can get used to getting up earlier and heading in earlier. I'm getting a little tired of eating dinner at 9 pm, especially when this could easily be remedied. Plus, once the overtime work shuts down, he can go into the gym instead of work. Or work and then the gym. Either way, we can both be healthier.

I'm hoping the rain stays away, as I have a meeting to walk to at 10, and I'd rather not arrive drenched. At least I can get my steps in, and I'm only taking my phone and the voice recorder used to take notes, so as long as the weather holds, I'm planning on taking the long route back so I can get my steps in today. It's rained so much, I haven't had a chance to go for as many walks as I'd like to.

Finish breakfast, and off to work!

Shake It Off!

Happy Monday! I usually hate Mondays, but this one is going to be AWESOME! I didn't get up at 5 like I wanted, but I did roll out of bed at 6, and got my workout done. I didn't do Saturday's official workout, but the two HIIT workouts in Body Combat (Power and Plyo) make my knees hurt and almost all my joints pop, so I have taken the gist of what they do and modified them a bit. I'm still doing a similar workout, but with less pain. Power involves weights, and the work the arms, chest, and back, so I did that this morning minus the DVD. Plyo is a lot of jumping around (ski squats, running lunges, burpees, etc.), so on Plyo days, I do jumping jacks, squats, lunges, and as many burpees as I can do without my knee trying to pop out of place. I'm an 80 year old in a 29 year old's body, with 60 year old knees. Gotta modify, but still get it in.

So, why is my Monday going to be awesome? I got my workout in, shake in me, showered, and dressed, all before 7:30. The radio was playing good music, and when I got into my truck, my iPod played even better music. My Pandora station is currently playing MY song - Fight Song by Rachel Platten - AND I was able to make it to the library to drop off my book, and still make it to work on time. BOOM! At the moment, I'm the only person in the library - other than the two workers upstairs, but they're turning what used to be the ITaP lab into office space. I have my list made up for what I have to get done today, and am working on getting it done for the rest of the week. Barely 8:30, and I've already been more productive than most mornings. Since the Power workout was supposed to be Saturday's workout, I plan to go home and do Combat 60, and then I'll be back on track!

So, getting up early, listening to awesome music, and getting your workout in before work is what makes for a good Monday. I refuse to let this mood go away, as I'm loving this. I think going to church yesterday had a lot to do with my mood today, too. It's nice to be back in a church family that doesn't worry about technology, still sings the old hymns, and reads and preaches directly from the Bible.

I think I've gone insane

Where to start...I worked my butt off this week, and very much literally. I took Monday and Tuesday off, then did Monday and Tuesday's workouts on Wednesday, did Wednesday's workout on Thursday and went to Zumba with Lauren. I was so sore on Friday that I skipped that workout until Saturday, when I did the modified version. I'm claiming Zumba in place of plyo for Saturday's workout, as I'm still a bit sore, and my knee wasn't liking me much.

Tomorrow is a new week with no skips. After church today, I took the afternoon to work on some personal development, and finished reading "Living Well, Spending Less: 12 Secrets to the Good Life" by Ruth Soukup. I took lots of notes, and there are some changes she mentioned in the book that I plan on making. The rest of the afternoon will be spent going over the coming homework for next week, as I'm 1 week down, 5 to go til graduation.

I have begun the necessary work to become a morning workout person, and when I did workout in the mornings this past week, I felt much more at ease with the day. I'm hoping to start getting up at 5 instead of 5:30, so that not only can I get in my morning workout, but I might have 30 minutes with my Bible every morning before trotting off to work. I'm also planning on making a list when I get to work, sorting out how my day will go and making sure to check as much off my list as possible. I already do this for the week, but now I'm going to incorporate a daily list. Hopefully it'll help me get myself straightened out and be more productive.

We'll see how all this plays out. I'm very hopeful that I'll be victorious!

Happiness abounds!

How many libraries can you walk into and find your librarian singing at her desk? Today, you can do this at mine, as I'm sitting here singing along to Ed Sheeran and anyone else who comes along the Pandora station. Why am I singing? Because I'm happy! That, and Ed Sheeran is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists - a hot ginger with a voice of an angel! Plus, his song "Thinking Out Loud" never fails to make me think very lovingly of my wickedly awesome husband.

Why am I so happy, you may be wondering. I'm sitting at work of all places! I'll tell ya - I have gotten up two days in a row and worked out before coming to work, and yesterday, I worked out when I got home. Yesterday held doing Combat 60 in the morning, HIIT: Power in the evening, a few chest/arm weight exercises, and then I went for a 3 mile walk! I woke up sore today, but feeling awesome - and then I hit play on Combat 45! I've got two glasses of water in me, plus my shakeo, and getting ready to treat myself to some coffee. I've also managed to keep the energy up to get 3 ILL's done for work. Today is turning out to be pretty wicked so far, and it's only just begun! I also get to face one of my fears later today, and go to a group workout when I meet up with Lauren and some other lovely ladies to go to a Zumba class this evening. I keep trying to remind myself that it'll be awesome whether I triumph or fail, just because I'll get to wear my new "Meet you at the gym" shirt.

The other reason I'm happy is that I'm seeing some awesome changes. Don't believe me? I'll show you! The first photo is from April 2014, the second from June 2015, and the third from today.

April 2014

June 2015

July 9, 2015

I didn't take a side view this morning, but in April of last year, I had decided to start this fitness journey. Then one of my worst semesters of my academic career happened, and I decided I didn't care about health and fitness, I just wanted to survive this school stuff. I let myself go, and had to buy the next size up in jeans (I went up to a 7, which may not be a big number to some, but it bothers me). I wasn't healthy, I was having constant headaches - some that were terrible, others that were just slight, nagging pains. I was always tired, and when I went to bed, I couldn't sleep well. Finally, around February, I started drinking the nutrition shakes again. By March, I was researching clean eating recipes, and in April, I started stocking the fridge and pantry with healthy food. I also bought and started Body Combat, but fell away from it after a few weeks - finals struck again, and I just couldn't get back into it. Then Lauren told me to become a discount coach to knock some money off the price of the shakes. I don't know what, but something about signing up again gave me the kick I needed to put this into full gear. I started working out again, and feeling better. My headaches are almost non-existent now, but some of that is genetic, so I'll never be totally rid of them. I also ditched my birth control after reading the stats on how many women on the NuvaRing had aneurysms and other health issues due to blood clots that formed in veins and arteries. Scary stuff! I bought a Garmin pedometer, and started walking more in December last year, and I've hit 10,000 steps twice in owning it - almost did it again last night, actually. I'm seeing changes, I'm feeling way better, and just generally becoming healthier. 

It also helps, I think, that I've essentially pruned some things in my life. The majority of negativity is gone, just by unfriending or unfollowing the people on facebook that would post negative things or just things that would irritate me. I've also taken a lot of things off my phone (no more games!) and made it harder for people to get in contact with me unless it's calling or texting. I've also decided my phone won't be looked at or used after 9 pm, so it goes on vibrate and on the charger, and I generally go to bed. Just a week of doing all this has taken a load off my shoulders, and I have found I sleep better. It's amazing what a few changes and a more positive outlook will do! In paring down the friends list, I've managed to surround myself with nothing but positive people, many of whom are on this same journey of a healthier life.

Ok, this has been longer than I meant it to be, and I need to get back to work. Have a lovely Thursday!

Whoopin'

I seem to go in spurts. Two weeks ago, I rocked every workout, didn't miss a day, and stayed true to healthy eating. Then the 4th of July happened...

Had I skipped this morning, I would have gone a full week without a workout. I think the weekend definitely had a hand in my missing things, as I had Thursday and Friday off, and spent them hanging out with friends and family (and my hot hunk of a husband!), then Saturday I spent 6 hours in the kitchen making food for only 3 people to show up and eat. Lesson learned - next year it'll be hotdogs and s'mores cooked over the bonfire. A trip to Walmart last night did not help my want for working out, so after dinner, I settled for a glass of Moscato and a hot bath. Going to bed early helped me get up this morning at 5:45 and KILL my Combat 60. That counts as Monday, so tonight will be HIIT:Power to make up for Tuesday. If I can move tomorrow, it'll be Combat 45, and then go see what this Zumba stuff is all about with Lauren. Friday brings Combat 60 again, Saturday is HIIT:Power, and a rest on Sunday. I see hot baths in my future to help relax away the soreness.

I have also found several 30 day challenges that I want to incorporate in. I've got those boudoir photos coming up in 6 weeks or so, so I have got to get into the best shape I can be! If it would ever stop raining, I could get back into walking, but it's been too wet lately.

This right here is my new motto. The only off days will be rest days from now on. 

Here comes the BOOM!

I woke up this morning thinking I got up too late to work out, then realized I had to meet Lauren at 12 not 11. More than enough time to do Combat 60! Got that in, with a little help from Oscar, and then went out to lunch with Lauren, and hung out with mom for a bit.

Mom and I walked Hobby Lobby and the mall - I'm on a quest to find a welcome sign for the front door. Didn't find any, but we did get a little over 6,000 steps in. Zach and I wound up watching 'My 600 Pound Life' on TLC last night for a while. I see these people as an inspiration. If they can make a difference and live better when they're on the brink of death because of being so obese, than I - a 125 pound woman - can do it, too.

70% of fitness happens in the kitchen, so just by eating healthier, you're well on your way to living a better life. Read the labels, do your homework, and make sure you're only putting good things into your body. Even desserts can be modified to be healthier. Then, get your butt off the couch and move! Dance along to the radio in the kitchen while you're cooking. Go for a walk and enjoy the beauty that is nature, go for a swim (especially if you have joint issues - the water will help with that). Take your mp3 player with you and listen to music as you walk, if you prefer. DO something, though, because sitting on the couch watching reruns and eating cheetos is going to get you nowhere fast. If you want your spouse or kids to make changes, but you refuse to, then how do you expect to have anything happen? You have to be the change you wish to see in the world (thank you, Dalaii Lama for that one).

Go out there and be awesome!